Any of a group of antihypertensive drugs
that relax arteries and promote renal excretion of
salt and water by inhibiting the activity of an
angiotensin converting enzyme.
Reduces vasculature resistance without
increasing cardiac output, rate or contractility.
• Hypertension
• Congestive heart failure
• strokes or heart attacks
May help lower the risk
of stroke or heart attack
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Postural hypotension
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Hyperkalemia
Insomnia
Potential for exacerbating nonproductive cough
Angioedema
Benazepril (Lotensin )
Captopril (Capoten )
Enalapril (Vasotec )
Fosinopril (Monopril )
Lisinopril (Prinivil , Zestril)
Moexipril (Univasc )
Perindopril (Aceon )
Quinapril (Accupril )
Ramipril (Altace )
Trandolapril (Mavik )
Monitor electrolytes, this medication causes
retention of potassium.
Elderly clients are at highest risk for postural
hypotension.
Instruct the client not to abruptly discontinue
medications because rebound hypertension can
occur.
Monitor blood pressure frequently
If dizziness persists, notify the physician
Use caution for patients with impaired renal
function
Take 1 hour before meal (Decreased absorption
if taken with food)
Blood pressures controlled within normal limits
Improved survival rates for patients suffering
from acute MI
Decreased workload on cardiovascular system
Decrease or absence of chest pain
ACE Inhibitors often end in “pril”
(i.e: Lisinopril, Perindopril, Captopril )
1) Which statement, if made by the hypertensive patient
taking Lisinopril, indicates the need for further
teaching?
a. “I will take the medication with Spirinolactone.”
b. “I will inform the physician if my dizziness persists.”
c. “I will not stand up immediately after taking the
medication.”
d. “I will have my daughter take my blood pressure from
time to time.”
2) The nurse correctly enumerates which of the
following of the following side effects of taking ACE
Inhibitors. Select all that apply:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Headache
Hypertension
Fatigue
Vomiting
e. Diarrhea
f. Cough
g. Loss of consciousness
3) A nurse is making her daily rounds, she remembers that
Mrs. Rose is taking Perindopril (Aceon), which of the
following statement, when made by Mrs. Rose, would
warrant notification of the attending physician?
a. “The first time I took the medication, I had a headache.”
b. “I took my medication an hour before meals.”
c. “I’ve had a blood extraction today to determine my
potassium level.”
d. “I have been feeling dizzy for three days now.”
4) Mrs. Sommers, a 53-year-old female diagnosed with
Congestive Heart Failure is taking Fosinopril
(Monopril) 10 mg tablet once a day. Which of the
following results would require the need to notify the
physician
a. Creatinine 1.0 mg/dL
b. Potassium 12 mEq/L
c. Albumin 5 U/L
d. BUN 10 mg/dL
5) You are the nurse caring for Mrs. Jones, a 44-year-old
patient with hypertension. An hour after taking Ramipril
(Altace), you took her blood pressure and noted that it
is 80/50. Which of the following nursing interventions
should you do first?
a. Call the attending physician
b. Elevate her legs by adjusting the bed and placing her
on a Trendelenburg position
c. Give her Furosemide (Lasix)
d. Give supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 Lpm